In this video, we take a look at the crested lark.

QUICK FACTS:

• Lifespan: 1-5 years (average), 11 years (maximum recorded)
• Length: 6.7 in
• Wingspan: 11 to 15 in
• Weight: 1.6 oz
• Family: Alaudidae

Description

The crested lark is a small passerine songbird. Its plumage is mottled brown above, with a cream-white lower breast, belly, and rump. It has dark streaks on the throat and upper breast. The outer feathers are lighter brown. It has a short crest for which it is named.

Males and females are alike. Its cryptic coloration provides camouflage for its ground-dwelling lifestyle. It is similar to the smaller Thekla lark, but the latter has a shorter crest and bill and is more heavily streaked.

Vocalizations: Call and song

The common calls of the crested lark include a whistly tu ti or a single note brit. It has a melodious, warbly song described as twee-twee-teeoo.

Distribution and range

Crested larks are sedentary birds native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

Habitat

They inhabit dry, open areas, including agricultural fields, roadsides, airfields, and semi-desert environments.

Diet and feeding habits

Crested larks have a predominantly herbivorous diet of seeds and grains, but they also eat insects, especially beetles. They feed by foraging on the ground or digging beneath the surface.

Nesting and breeding

Crested larks are monogamous. They nest in small scrapes on the ground lined with grasses, leaves, roots, and other vegetation. Females lay up to five speckled eggs, and incubation lasts around twelve days. Lark chicks are precocial and leave the nest a few days after hatching and even before they are able to fly. They fledge at around two weeks old.

Behavior

Crested larks are solitary, territorial birds. The short crest is always visible but stands more erect when singing, during courtship, and territorial displays.

Relationship with humans

Larks are known for their beautiful and melodious songs. They bear symbolism and significance in mythology and theology and also feature prominently in some famed literary works.

Status and conservation

Crested larks appear to be in decline. However they are still classified as least concern.

#avibirds #bird #birdwatching #crestedlark #galeridacristata

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